§ 16. Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what progress has been made relative to the establishment of the National Enterprise Board; and in how many projects the powers of the Industry Act 1975 are now being actively used.
§ Mr. KaufmanMy right hon. Friend has made several appointments to the Board, which will be announced shortly. Apart from bringing the Act into force by order its powers have not yet been used.
§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list the members of the National Enterprise Board.
§ Mr. KaufmanMy right hon. Friend will announce the composition of the Board on 27th November, when it plans to hold its first meeting.
§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will publish the names of all those invited to attend the official reception held at the Carlton Gardens on Tuesday 18th November to mark the setting up of the National Enterprise Board; and what was the per capita cost of the function to public funds.
§ Mr. KaufmanMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State invited 60 people who work for or with the Board. I will send the hon. Member a full list if he wishes. The estimated cost was £3 per head.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Industry if the office of the NEB to be located in the North-West is to be situated in Merseyside; and, if not, why not.
§ Mr. KaufmanYes.
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§ Mr. Tom Kingasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list all the companies all or part of whose shares it is intended to vest in the NEB as far as is known at present.
§ Mr. KaufmanI hope to make a statement shortly.